Plans for a large, all-weather riding arena at Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Cotswolds estate have been rejected by the local council. West Oxfordshire District Council denied the application, stating the proposed structure would be an "intrusive and incongruous form of development within the open countryside and the Cotswolds National Landscape."
The TV star, 68, had sought permission to build a 22-meter by 39-meter arena on their 43-acre property, intended for use by her wife, Portia de Rossi, 53, who is a keen equestrian. The couple, who moved to Britain in November 2024, had previously indicated their commitment to the area, with DeGeneres stating, "When we decided to live here full time, we knew that Portia couldn't live without her horses."
The council's decision notice, issued by Head of Planning Chris Hargreaves, detailed concerns that the arena's "scale, siting and associated engineering operations" would extend beyond existing built structures and encroach upon the undeveloped Upper Windrush Valley. The council concluded that the development would not enhance the local landscape, preserve its character or scenic beauty, and would have a detrimental visual impact on valley views. It also stated the arena would adversely affect the setting of the adjacent Asthall Conservation Area.
Despite the rejection, DeGeneres' planning team, Fleming Architects Ltd, had submitted a 'Landscape & Visual Impact' report arguing the arena would be concealed by existing farm buildings and vegetation. The council's archaeology and ecology departments had raised no objections, though the ecology team did stipulate a number of conditions, including adherence to a strict Construction Ecological Management Plan, a Biodiversity Net Gain assessment, and the installation of bird and bat boxes and controlled lighting.
This latest setback follows earlier approval for new stables on the property, granted earlier this year despite local opposition. Those stables were approved with conditions, including that they be used solely by the occupants of the main dwelling and not for commercial purposes such as a livery or riding school.
The couple purchased the £15 million property in 2024 and reportedly spent an additional £7.5 million on renovations. The estate has faced issues with flooding from the River Windrush, which runs through the site. The proposed arena was intended in part to move the horses away from areas prone to flooding.
Planning documents from March indicated the couple's ambition to make the Cotswolds estate their long-term home. The property was previously listed for sale last July but failed to attract a buyer. Its asking price was reduced by £4.5 million from £22 million before it was taken off the market as part of a condition of sale.